10 Easy English Idioms You Should Know

Learning English can be fun — especially when you start using idioms! Idioms are short phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say. They have a special meaning that native speakers understand.

Here are 10 easy English idioms that are common, useful, and simple to remember.

1. A piece of cake

Meaning: Something very easy.

Example: The test was a piece of cake!

2. Break the ice

Meaning: To start talking to someone for the first time.

Example: He told a funny story to break the ice at the meeting.

3. Under the weather

Meaning: Feeling sick.

Example: I didn’t go to school today because I was under the weather.

4. It’s not my cup of tea

Meaning: I don’t like it.

Example: I know people love football, but it’s not my cup of tea.

5. Hit the books

Meaning: To study hard.

Example: I have a test tomorrow, so I need to hit the books tonight.

6. Let the cat out of the bag

Meaning: To tell a secret by mistake.

Example: She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

7. Once in a blue moon

Meaning: Something that doesn’t happen often.

Example: We only go to the beach once in a blue moon.

8. To be all ears

Meaning: To listen carefully.

Example: Tell me what happened — I’m all ears!

9. Kill two birds with one stone

Meaning: To do two things at the same time.

Example: I listened to a podcast while cleaning. I killed two birds with one stone!

10. Let someone off the hook

Meaning: To not punish someone for a mistake.

Example: The teacher let me off the hook for being late.

Final Tip

Try to learn one or two idioms at a time. Use them when you speak or write in English. It will help you sound more natural and confident!